If you have not been thinking about safety management tips for your office-based workers, perhaps it’s just the best time to start. A recent study found that employers who put a stop to preventable workplace injuries gain more than 100,000,000 days of production. And there are currently an estimated 863,000 office workers in the U.S. with statistics showing that 68% of them don’t feel completely safe in the workplace.
As an employer, it’s your job to run a safe business, and that includes creating an environment that feels safe for your employees. If you don’t have any clue about this, here’s what you need to do to keep your employees happy and your business running smoothly.
Carry Out Risk Assessments
The risk assessment you should prioritize the most involves your workers’ workstations. Workers who use poorly designed workstations and lack suitable equipment are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The direct cost of MSDs is $20 billion per year and the median number of days taken off is 12.
Protect your workers by having their workstations assessed professionally and by using ergonomics. Ergonomics means your workers’ bodies are naturally supported, so the risk of an MSD is reduced. Ergonomic equipment involves things such as chairs, keyboards, footrests, height-adjustable desks, and lighting.
Prevent Falls
You might think that office workers are unlikely to hurt themselves in a workplace fall, but research shows otherwise. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that they’re up to two and half times more likely to be injured from a fall at work than non-office workers. Things you can do to stop falls from happening include mopping up spills as soon as they happen and using wet floor signs.
Floors should be regularly checked and maintained. For example, broken floor tiles and frayed carpets can be dangerous. You also need to provide an appropriate space for your workers’ belongings. Bags and coats are trip hazards and should be hung on coat stands, hooks on the wall, or kept in lockers.
Failing to act can result in an employee experiencing a serious injury. This means they’re likely to contact a work injury lawyer. A lawyer will assess their claim, see whether you’re liable for the fall, and pursue compensation for their client.
Personal safety
35% of workers are concerned about their physical safety at work, according to We Forum. One of the biggest worries for office workers is the number of visitors that enter their workplace. Employers must ensure they keep a log of all onsite visitors and record their entry and exit time.
Visitors should also be escorted around the building rather than leave them to roam freely. You must also protect your workers’ physical safety by not allowing lone workers and ensuring there are always at least two people on site. It’s also wise to use a security company to open up and lock up every day rather than relying on a single member of staff. They can also man the site when you’re closed and respond to any on-site emergencies as and when they happen.
A safe and well-managed business is crucial for success. Follow these tips to protect your workers and you can’t go wrong.
